Puerto Princesa agog over 'Seven Wonders' bid

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- The city officialdom here and its constituents are agog over the possible inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) among the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Mayor Edward Hagedorn has been doing his best to get the job done by securing all the possible help from various sectors of society not only here but practically all around the country and the world.
The Philippine Information Agency tried to see him Wednesday at his office for a possible interview but the latter was told by his staff that he has been busy going around.
In his stead, Vice-Mayor Lucilo Bayron glady granted a brief interview despite his own busy schedule regarding the city's fervent wish to bag the coveted honor.
He said that voting centers have been set up to allow people from all walks life vote for PPUR particularly those who do not have Internet connection. Voting is done online or thru text messaging.
One such voting center was set up at the Mendoza Park at the heart of the city where students and visitors usually converge.
Bayron said the people here are really excited of the result of the voting. He noted though that the city's bid was like going thru the eye of the needle considering that some of the entries are located in developed nations where Internet is very much accessible even by youths themselves.
But he hoped that PPUR will finally land among the Nature's Wonders.
The city has scheduled a thanksgiving prayer on November 12, a day after the voting closes. "Win or lose magpapasalamat tayo," he said. He invited the public no matter their religious affiliation to join it. "Kasama rin natin ang ating Muslim brothers," he said noting that Muslims have their mosque in the city.
"Kung sa ibang lugar nagaaway sila dito tayoy nagmamahalan," he added.
This city, which tries to balance progress and nature preservation, is bound to grow and develop naturally given its rich resources. But it will be more if it lands among the world's seven wonders with the country in general benefitting from it.
by Danny O. Sagun (DOS/PIA Mimaropa)